Archive for July, 2008

What To Expect From Tattoo Removal

For one reason or another, individuals often decide to have a tattoo removed. Perhaps it depicts a former love that is no longer a part of that person’s life or perhaps they just no longer want that specific tattoo on their body. Whatever the reason, it often becomes a consideration and one that must not be undertaken without some serious thought.

If you are considering having a tattoo removed, the first thing to do is to make an appointment with a local physician or dermatologist in order to discuss your wishes. He/she will examine the tattoo, it’s condition and will then determine which method is the best for complete removal. It is important to note that tattoo removal does involve surgery which, in itself, does carry potential risks and side effects. Even the simplest surgery can result in complications, so be sure to consider tattoo removal very carefully. This is why it is so important to make sure that you really want the tattoo before going ahead with it’s application.

In most cases, your physician or dermatologist will be able to give you a step-by-step explanation of how the procedure will be done, how long it will take and what type of recovery you can expect. Understandably, the site of surgery will be tender for some time and will likely result in some type of scarring. However, with time both will lessen until the scarring is minimally visible. The ultimate answer as to the level of scarring will depend on the size of the tattoo. A larger image will result in a larger scar than, for instance, a small butterfly tattoo. As one would expect, certain areas of the body are more sensitive and are therefore more likely to be sensitive to pain.

Once a decision has been made to remove the tattoo, an appointment will be made for the procedure. This may or may not be an outpatient surgery, which will determined by any complications that arise during the procedure, the patient’s overall health and/or the likelihood of an allergic reaction to any medication given. Often, patients are held overnight for observation before being sent home. It is important that patients speak with the surgeon regarding any possible risks associated with the procedure.

The cost of having a tattoo removed can be quite high, especially if the tattoo is large. The majority of health insurance companies will not cover these costs unless the tattoo must be removed for medical/health reasons. Otherwise, the full financial responsibility will be assigned to the patient who must then figure out a way to pay for the surgery. Many hospitals offer a payment plan to those who cannot afford the total cost upfront. Arrangements for any type of payment plan must be made prior to the surgery and must be approved through the hospital’s billing department.

This article is to be used for informational purposes only. The information contained herein is not intended to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice or recommendations for tattoo placement. Before deciding on getting a tattoo or having one removed, the patient must consult a licensed medical doctor for medical advice and/or to determine the best course of action for his/her individual healthcare needs.

Find a tattoo removal center or a tattoo shop in your area and many other tattoo resources on http://www.todaytattoos.com

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Amazing Tattoo Designs

Let’s face it, people who like tattoos are always looking for the next amazing tattoo design to set themselves apart from the crowd and although this might seem like an easy task, anyone who has been through it knows differently. Sometimes it can just hit you, you see something in a picture or in a museum or even in a movie and bingo! that’s it - you know straight away that this is your next tattoo. If you’re one of the lucky ones (those who can draw beautifully from imagination) you can scribble it down and take your own amazing tattoo design to your tattooist and within no time at all your dream is a reality. However, most of us are not that lucky and whilst we have willing and creative minds which think up all these amazing tattoo designs we have weak and stubborn fingers who insist on not getting the picture (literally!).

Body art has been with us from the year dot when ancient cave men used it not only for camouflage but also to mark themselves and their tribesmen out from other rival tribes. Indeed, the word ‘ tattoo’ is derived from the ancient Tahitian word “tattau” meaning to mark. Since then tattoos have evolved into a serious art form and most people are into their body art because it is beautiful and because it makes a personal statement about themselves. Choosing your amazing tattoo design can be a minefield though. Just think of all the Chinese symbols for example. Do you know what they mean - and moreover, do you expect your tattooist to know? A very good friend of mine had a Chinese symbol tattoo done a couple of years back. It was a beautifully intricate design on his left shoulder with symbols surrounded by oriental dragons and magnificent colours. He was born in the year of the dragon and his wife was born under the sign of the dog. The symbol was suppose to say something like ‘ dragon will honour dog in life and death”. However he has since discovered that although it does say that it could also be construed as “dragon will curse dogs honour in life and death”.

The same is true of Celtic or Egyptian symbols, and if you fancy something a bit out of the ordinary it’s best to do loads of research first and be sure your symbol says exactly what you want it to say. Remember, your tattoo artist is just that, an amazing artist - NOT an expert in all sorts of ancient scripts and symbols!!

When you know it’s time for another tattoo (or indeed when you’ve taken the decision to have your first) it is wise to take some time and look into various styles and designs and also think hard about where on your body you want to have it done. I know some women who have had amazing tattoos designed and inked all around their belly buttons only to discover that when they are pregnant (and subsequently left with stretch marks) the fabulous butterfly looks just a bit less fabulous than it did on a tanned and taut abdomen! Also, think about it from an employment point of view. Like it or not, a tattoo is not always viewed favourably by prospective employers. This is not such a problem for males, however lots of women get tattoos around their ankle or lower leg and, if in a professional capacity you need to wear a smart skirt suit, then it could make things just a little bit difficult.

Consider also, that your tattoo will be with you for life. Now, I know this is always the argument against having a tattoo, especially when it’s your first one, however it is a valid one. You must be committed to the design you choose as it will be with you for a very long time. In my opinion, it’s best to steer clear of the ‘fashionable’ tattoo styles, the ones that come in fad’s and disappear a year or two later leaving your skin very ‘last season’! Choose something that means something to you, something that has a little personal story behind it. Then, when people remark on your tattoo and ask about it (and they will!) you have something interesting to say about it and about yourself too.

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Hot Koi Fish Tattoos, Design, and Ideas! A Revitilization of a Traditional Japanese Design

Koi fish tattoos are quickly growing in popularity. In fact many traditional Japanese tattoo designs are coming to life with new vivid tattoo ink colors. This is a rapidly growing movement very similar to the west coast tattoo style. The west coast tattoo style started with the idea of taking older classic tattoo themes like anchors, hearts and etc and adding a ton of bright, and beautiful inks to them. A few years back the west coast tattoo style was about the hottest thing in tattoos.

However many people are not satisfied to stick with what everyone else has already done and most people that get tattoos want them to be unique and different. Therefore tattoo artists are always on the look out for new designs, new ideas and new ways to take their art to the next level. This constant pushing of the envelope develops many hot new trends in tattoo design.

In the past 5 or so years there has been a rebirth or revitalization of traditional Japanese tattoos. One of the hottest themes in Japanese tattoos has been koi fish tattoos.

Koi fish are very popular among women but many man are getting them also now. In Japanese mythology Koi are typically thought to swim up stream against the current. They are therefore often associated with perseverance in adversity and can make a great tattoo with a very deep meaning. Yet a delicate and beautiful design.

Men tend to get koi fish tattoos on their back, shoulders, calf or upper thigh most typically. In fact large koi tattoos that take up the entire back are a style that many men are starting to get. They can also make a great full sleeve design with the water and koi twisting around the arm or leg.

Women tend to get koi tattoos on arms, thighs, and even on the side of their stomachs. Koi can make a beautiful tattoo with lots of bright color and large splashes of blue water that can become a very flowing and artistic tattoo.

Typically koi fish tattoos feature a large blue, splashing water background with the fish jumping out of the water and playfully splashing in it. Traditional designs often include either Japanese maple leaves or lotus flowers in combination with the design.

Chris has been running Design My Tattoos website for the last three months. He likes helping people
find the custom tattoo designs and where to get them done by professional tattoo
artists. Check out the site and
post a job to get your
own custom tattoo design. If you are a tattoo artist and would like to earn
some extra income go ahead and sign up as an artists and make some money in your
spare time. Check out this article on
Koi fish
tattoos
on the site.

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